A warm, safe loving ‘home away from home’ for your pets
By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Shrewsbury – For most pet owners, a dog or a cat is not just a “pet,” rather, they are a beloved member of the family. At Daltons Cherrywood Kennel, owner Dorothy Dalton knows this because she, too, has had pets all her life. And as a business owner for the last five decades-plus, her customers, some of whose families have been with her for generations, would attest to her love, care and compassion for their animals, too.
Dorothy actually first started as a dog groomer when she could find not find someone to groom her own poodle.
“There were very few groomers at the time, so I taught myself,” she said. “I was also involved in dog obedience competitions so I would go and look at how the dogs there were groomed.”
Soon she was also grooming her friends’ and neighbors’ pets. She converted her garage into a full service grooming facility and then over the years expanded to other locations in Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Worcester and Florida.
As a successful breeder of multiple miniature and standard poodle champions, she is a highly respected International Dog Show judge for the American Kennel Club, judging the Toy, Non-Sporting Groups and Best in Show. That experience is invaluable when it comes to understanding her customers‘ pets.
Daltons is not your ordinary boarding facility; it truly is a “home away from home” for its guests. Dogs are kenneled in a radiant heated, air-conditioned, security-monitored, clean, and well-aired facility which overlooks a one-plus acre of tree-shaded grass-covered playgrounds.
All dogs get plenty of monitored playtime during the day and are fed Purina Proplan diet and treats. At bedtime, they get one last treat before sleeping on Kuranda (elevated, cot-style beds).
The facility offers daycare as well for those owners who work all day but want their dogs to have the opportunity for socialization and exercise.
Kitties, too, are pampered at Daltons, as they enjoy a safe, enclosed cattery (sun porch) with windows overlooking a beautiful flower garden. They have access to quality Purina Cat Chow during the day and at night retire to a one- or two-level carpeted suite.
And for those pets who need a little extra TLC and care due to their advanced age or special needs, the Daltons staff is happy to accommodate them.
Safety is of course a top priority.
“We were the first kennel in Massachusetts to be wired for fire and smoke,” Dorothy said.
Nine cameras watch over the guests in the kennels and yards at all times.
Daltons also offers grooming services, including baths, nails trimming or full head-to-toe services. The groomers have experience with all breeds ranging from tiny Toys to the Giants.
Many of the staff members have been with Dalton for a number of years. Head groomer Carrie Desourdy has been with Daltons for 15 years.
“We have gentle people who work here,” Dorothy said.
Dorothy’s son Barry now runs the Port St. Lucie facility in Florida full-time but when Dorothy herself is in Florida, she is there on site as well.
“I can’t see myself ever retiring,” she said. “I still really love doing this.”
Daltons Cherrywood Kennels is located at 780 Grafton St., Shrewsbury. For more information call 508-755-5551 or email through the website www.cherrywoodkennel.com.
And check out their charming Facebook page for videos of customers’ pets and other fun photos and videos.